After his father died suddenly of a heart attack, one man has made it his mission to raise thousands for charities that provide valuable support to other sufferers.
Fitness fanatic Nick Franklin, from Gaywood, King's Lynn, is taking on the Ironman Challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, West Norfolk Mind and Cancer Research.
In each of the five consecutive days of the challenge, beginning on Tuesday, March 20, Mr Franklin will swim 1.2 miles, cycle 56 miles and run 13.1 miles, with a fundraising target of £5,000.
He and his family have already £9,000 for the British Heart Foundation through a number of events, including the three peaks challenge, football matches and cakes stalls, following the death of his father in 2009.
Mr Franklin said: 'A 52 year old man taken from us far to early. He sadly passed away of a heart attack.
'My father was an active man, ate a reasonably healthy diet and did not smoke. He liked a drink but he drank very much in moderation.'
In 2014 and then in 2015, Mr Franklin received even more devastating news when his mother and father in law were diagnosed with cancer.
He added: 'Fortunately both survived and although they have undergone vigorous treatments over many months and have both had life changing operations they have gone on to lead pain free and normal lives, thanks to the amazing work of the doctors and nurses who treated them.
'It is safe to say that both British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK do amazing work, and the funds raised continue to go towards vital research leading to amazing breakthroughs in how to reduce the many people that still die from these horrible illnesses.'
Mr Franklin will also be raising money for mental health charity West Norfolk Mind.
'Mental Health cannot just be categorised as one particular aspect, mental health covers an umbrella of issues people may have,' he said.
'They offer amazing support in and around the Kings Lynn area, supporting people in many ways with mental health issues, depression and bereavement.'
To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/nickfranklin.
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